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From Android to Apple- get a 4S or wait for the 5?

L

larryloo

macrumors newbie
Original poster
I have a HTC Wildfire a3335 running Android, but yesterday it had an unfortunate bathing accident with some honey liquor...😱 so it's in the repair shop getting cleaned. And likely to not come out alive...

But rather than cry over spilt bourbon 😉 , I am in fact partly relieved because I've become rather dissatisfied with Android over the last few months for a few reasons. I've also become keen on Apple products since getting a Mac Mini and iPad a couple of years ago, and recently a new MacBook Pro which I am very happy with. I admit I boycotted the iPhones for years due to their "common trendy fanboyism". But also recently my attitude has warmed towards them.


Anyway enough of the ramble....I am wondering whether to get a new iPhone 4S and just put in my current sim card (Telstra 3G on a monthly mobile phone plan), or wait until the iPhone 5 is released?

I've read on these forums that iO6 was not really good? Is it correct that the iPhone 5 won't be released until September/October?


As a temporary solution I am using the company mobile phone (just to receive calls), which apparently is an iPhone 4S. Personally I think it works quite well, it's good quality and has the features I want (I'm not that fussy, as long as it works properly and doesn't crash a lot). Also I hope it's not as "stalker-ish" as Google Android, so far I don't think it is(?).

But I only have access to the company phone for a fortnight, so will need to get a new phone quite soon. I could get a $50 normal cheapy from the post office while waiting for the iPhone 5, but honestly I don't think I could downgrade from using a smartphone. But I am interested if its new features are worth waiting for.


Is the 4S available in one format, or other formats with less/more storage space? Is it expensive to purchase outright?



Thanks for your feedback,
larryloo.
 
Multiple storage untils are available. Yes it's expensive to purchase out right.

Some people will probably tell you to buy the 4s and sell it right before the new iphone comes out and then use that money to buy the new iphone.

I don't play the buy sell game so that wouldn't be an option for me.
 
larryloo said:
I've read on these forums that iO6 was not really good? Is it correct that the iPhone 5 won't be released until September/October?
Click to expand...
October is probably correct, but nobody actually knows. iOS6 has disappointed some people in that many of its features won't be available to older phones. The 4s and 5 will have those features. I don't think people are disliking it in general.

As a temporary solution I am using the company mobile phone (just to receive calls), which apparently is an iPhone 4S. Personally I think it works quite well, it's good quality and has the features I want (I'm not that fussy, as long as it works properly and doesn't crash a lot). Also I hope it's not as "stalker-ish" as Google Android, so far I don't think it is(?).
Click to expand...
That really goes from app to app, rather than OS to OS. The Apple apps are not quite as bad as Google's, but they still do various tracking. If you really want more privacy, you do have to opt out of various settings. Of course, any phone knows exactly where you are all the time via gps and tower triangulation.

Is the 4S available in one format, or other formats with less/more storage space? Is it expensive to purchase outright?
Click to expand...
Check Apple's website or Ebay. It's something like $600-800 to purchase new with no contract. Used would be a couple hundred less. You can see all the choices at Apple's website.
 
This question always comes up. Need a phone now? Get the 4S. Do you want the newest Apple product out there? Wait until the next one launches. It really is that simple.
 
You'd be crazy to tie yourself into a new contract with an old phone this late in the game. By a used, cheap android (Samsung captivate is a good, cheap fone right now) and get the new iPhone in October.

I was in a similar situation last year at this time and bought a used iPhone 4 off eBay.
 
Thanks everyone so far for your responses. It's a big help.

----------
Syk said:
Multiple storage untils are available. Yes it's expensive to purchase out right.

Some people will probably tell you to buy the 4s and sell it right before the new iphone comes out and then use that money to buy the new iphone.

I don't play the buy sell game so that wouldn't be an option for me.
Click to expand...

I don't play the "buy sell" game either. Once I buy something, it's to be kept for good, until it's well and truly broken.


JAT said:
Check Apple's website or Ebay. It's something like $600-800 to purchase new with no contract. Used would be a couple hundred less. You can see all the choices at Apple's website.
Click to expand...

And I definitely don't play the "buy sell" game for $800!!! Goodness me!
I paid $230 for my Wildfire to own it outright. I'm not keen on paying nearly a grand for just a mobile phone! "Smart" phone or not!
But I will check the websites you suggested, thanks.

----------
lordofthereef said:
This question always comes up. Need a phone now? Get the 4S. Do you want the newest Apple product out there? Wait until the next one launches. It really is that simple.
Click to expand...

I do need a phone now, since it's on the cards that the Wildfire is wrecked for good. But if I buy something new I want it to be an improvement too.

Sedrick said:
You'd be crazy to tie yourself into a new contract with an old phone this late in the game. By a used, cheap android (Samsung captivate is a good, cheap fone right now) and get the new iPhone in October.

I was in a similar situation last year at this time and bought a used iPhone 4 off eBay.
Click to expand...

Thanks for suggesting the Captivate. I'll look into it- I suppose it can be used as a backup/late night on the town taxi phone if I do decide to get the new iPhone 5. I just wish it was being launched sooner.
 
larryloo said:
I do need a phone now, since it's on the cards that the Wildfire is wrecked for good. But if I buy something new I want it to be an improvement too.
Click to expand...

The 4S will be an improvement over your wildfire (especially seeing you say you are starting to dislike Android). The successor to the 4S will almost certainly be an improvement over the 4S. Not trying to be a smart@$$, but that's just how it works. 🙂
 
JAT said:
October is probably correct, but nobody actually knows.
Click to expand...

Oh okay. I hope it gets scheduled a bit sooner.


JAT said:
iOS6 has disappointed some people in that many of its features won't be available to older phones. The 4s and 5 will have those features. I don't think people are disliking it in general.
Click to expand...

I see. Oh well it won't be an issue for me then, thank goodness.


JAT said:
That really goes from app to app, rather than OS to OS. The Apple apps are not quite as bad as Google's,
Click to expand...

Phew!

JAT said:
but they still do various tracking. If you really want more privacy, you do have to opt out of various settings. Of course, any phone knows exactly where you are all the time via gps and tower triangulation.
Click to expand...

I was picky on Android's tracking, but it really annoyed me when a lot of the application updates (e.g. 'facebook for Android') flat out demanded to collect and transmit "anonymous data" to various parties if the update was installed. That is part of my grievance with Android (and Google in general). I don't mind if I myself broadcast to the world my location and details, but I don't want something else doing it. Everyone should have 100% control over those things.

In fact, part of the reason I resisted getting a smartphone for years was because of the GPS and tower triangulation.
 
larryloo said:
I have a HTC Wildfire a3335 running Android, but yesterday it had an unfortunate bathing accident with some honey liquor...😱 so it's in the repair shop getting cleaned. And likely to not come out alive...

But rather than cry over spilt bourbon 😉 , I am in fact partly relieved because I've become rather dissatisfied with Android over the last few months
Click to expand...

Well to be honest, the majority of people who try and dislike Android are the ones who get the cheap phones. The Wildfire is garbage. Why don't you try the new Galaxy S3 before deciciding to get an iPhone. It's night and day compared to a Wildfire.
 
larryloo said:
Oh okay. I hope it gets scheduled a bit sooner.




I see. Oh well it won't be an issue for me then, thank goodness.




Phew!



I was picky on Android's tracking, but it really annoyed me when a lot of the application updates (e.g. 'facebook for Android') flat out demanded to collect and transmit "anonymous data" to various parties if the update was installed. That is part of my grievance with Android (and Google in general). I don't mind if I myself broadcast to the world my location and details, but I don't want something else doing it. Everyone should have 100% control over those things.

In fact, part of the reason I resisted getting a smartphone for years was because of the GPS and tower triangulation.
Click to expand...

Well to be fair we don't know what permissions iOS apps use. There was a stink awhile ago about contacts or something being uploaded by some app. I don't remember which it was but I'm sure someone here does.
 
mbell1975 said:
Well to be honest, the majority of people who try and dislike Android are the ones who get the cheap phones. The Wildfire is garbage. Why don't you try the new Galaxy S3 before deciciding to get an iPhone. It's night and day compared to a Wildfire.
Click to expand...

Well I suppose I could consider it. But my issues with Google go further than just their Android. I never tried to dislike Android, I liked it from the get go but over time come to despise it, along with my growing concern with Google. Also I learned from other Android htc phone owners that they had similar issues, despite having better phones than the Wildfire.

How does the Galaxy S3 compare to the iPhone 4S?
 
larryloo said:
Well I suppose I could consider it. But my issues with Google go further than just their Android. I never tried to dislike Android, I liked it from the get go but over time come to despise it, along with my growing concern with Google. Also I learned from other Android htc phone owners that they had similar issues, despite having better phones than the Wildfire.

How does the Galaxy S3 compare to the iPhone 4S?
Click to expand...

Happy reading
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1370977/
 
I'd wait for the 5, but if you don't think you'll really need that extra screen real-estate, LTE, among other things, get a 4S.

If you need a phone very soon, I'd get the SGSIII. Don't judge your experience with Android on an HTC legacy phone 😉

The GSIII should be a much cleaner experience. I can understand the 'stalker' part of Android, but as long as you check reviews of apps and think of logical reasons for their permissions, it's not nearly as scary.

Anyway, just my $0.02. Can't really go wrong with either.
 
Buy a 3GS all Craigslist. Should be in the $100 range for a 16 GB. Use that until iPhone 5 debuts, purchase iPhone 5 with your subsidy.

But whatever you do don't buy a Galaxy3, a of my buddies got them and hated them. Took them back an traded them for OneXs.
 
solarguy17 said:
But whatever you do don't buy a Galaxy3, a of my buddies got them and hated them. Took them back an traded them for OneXs.
Click to expand...

Your buddy hated the S3? Omg, everyone needs to stop buying them immediately! They are clearly garbage if your buddy took it back!
 
solarguy17 said:
Buy a 3GS all Craigslist. Should be in the $100 range for a 16 GB. Use that until iPhone 5 debuts, purchase iPhone 5 with your subsidy.

But whatever you do don't buy a Galaxy3, a of my buddies got them and hated them. Took them back an traded them for OneXs.
Click to expand...

Both the HOX and GSIII are great phones. Why did they trade them back?

The only real reasons I can think of is the plastic build, maybe camera, and pentile display (provided that isn't your cup of tea).
 
mbell1975 said:
Your buddy hated the S3? Omg, everyone needs to stop buying them immediately! They are clearly garbage if your buddy took it back!
Click to expand...

For a guy that types nothing but opinions in this forum, you sure like telling others they shouldn't.
 
Buy the current 4S. It's the best iPhone out of all iPhones so far. Whenever Apple does a major upgrade, it's best to avoid it and get the following years model. My 4S is significantly better than my iPhone 4 was. The next one is less likely to be as good till it's refined. Save yourself the headaches. Choose iPhone 4S.
 
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